Strawberry plant named ‘DONNA’

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct strawberry variety. The varietal denomination of the new variety is ‘DONNA’. Among the characteristics which appear to distinguish the new variety from other varieties are a combination of traits which include inflorescence that appears level with to above the foliage and abundant production of red colored, conical to wedged shaped, firm fruit, and medium fruit size.

Botanical classification: Fragaria×ananassa ‘DONNA’.

Varietal denomination: The new plant has the varietal denomination‘DONNA’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar ofstrawberry, botanically known as Fragaria×ananassa and hereinafterreferred to by the cultivar name ‘DONNA’.

The new variety of strawberry was created in a breeding program bycrossing two parents; in particular, by crossing as seed parent anundistributed strawberry parent designated 98.05.17 (unpatented) and aspollen parent an undistributed strawberry parent designated 98.16.34(unpatented). Both parental varieties are proprietary and have not beencommercialized.

The new variety was discovered in a controlled breeding program ofFragaria×ananassa and differs from its parents and other known cultivarsof Fragaria×ananassa by the following characteristics in combination:

-   -   1. The new variety of strawberry differs from its seed parent,        designed 98.05.17 (unpatented), in the shape, color of fruits        and the color of the stolons. The new strawberry variety is more        tolerant to Oidium than the seed parent; and    -   2. The new variety of strawberry differs from its pollen parent,        designated 98.16.34 (unpatented), in the shape of fruit, the        firmness of fruit and the shape of incisions of margin of the        terminal leaflet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cultivar ‘DONNA’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat withvariations in environment such as temperature, light intensity,nutrition and water status without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe unique characteristics of ‘DONNA’. These characteristics incombination distinguish ‘DONNA’ as a new and distinct cultivar:

-   -   1. inflorescence that appears level with to above the foliage;    -   2. abundant production of red colored, conical to wedged shaped,        firm fruit of medium size.

The resulting seedling of the new variety was grown and asexuallypropagated by runners in Le Barp, Gironde, France 0,46° W., 44N., 150feet elevation. Clones of the new variety were further asexuallypropagated and extensively tested. This propagation and testing hasdemostrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein whichcharacterize the new variety are fixed and retained true to type throughsuccessive generations of asexual reproduction.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER CULTIVARS

The new variety is closest to the variety ‘GARIGUETTE’ (unpatented), butis distinguished therefrom by the following characteristics possessed by‘DONNA’ which are different than, or not possessed by, ‘DONNA’(unpatented):

-   -   1. ‘GARIGUETTE’ (unpatented) shows a leaf color of upperside        (R.H.S. green group near 139 B to 143B) less dark than ‘DONNA’        (R.H.S. green group near 139 A to 143 A). ‘GARIGUETTE’        (unpatented) shows a leaf color of underside (R.H.S. green group        near 138 B to 138 A) less dark than ‘DONNA’ (R.H.S. green group        near 137 B to 137 A).    -   2. ‘GARIGUETTE’ (unpatented) exhibits a acute shape of base of        terminal leaflet than ‘DONNA’ exhibits a rounded shape.    -   3. ‘GARIGUETTE’ shows a size of calyx relative to corolla        larger, whereas ‘DONNA’ shows a same size of calyx relative to        corolla.    -   4. The fruit size of ‘GARIGUETTE’ (unpatented) is shorter of        ‘DONNA’.    -   5. ‘GARIGUETTE’ (unpatented) shows a red fruit color (R.H.S. red        group near 41B to 41 A), whereas in ‘DONNA’ it is an red fruit        color (R.H.S. red group near 43A to 43B) with a stronger        glossiness.    -   6. The predominant shape of fruits of ‘GARIGUETTE’ (unpatented)        is bi-conical, whereas in ‘DONNA’ it is conical to wedged.    -   7. Fruit of the ‘GARIGUETTE’ (unpatented) exhibits an attitude        of the calyx segments more reflexed than ‘DONNA’.    -   8. Band without achenes in the fruit of ‘GARIGUETTE’        (unpatented) is broad to very broad than in ‘DONNA’ it is        narrow.    -   9. ‘GARIGUETTE’ shows less firmness fruit than ‘DONNA’ fruit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying illustrations show a specimen of the new cultivar in aphotographic illustration as true to color as is reasonably possible tomake in an illustration of this character. Color values in theillustrations may differ slightly from the color values cited in thedetailed botanical description, which accurately describes the actualcolors of the new Strawberry.

The plants depicted in the drawings were planted Jul. 19, 2005 in LeBarp, Gironde, France 0,46° W., 44N., 150 feet elevation. Drawings weretaken May, 2006 (about May 15, 2006): minimum temperature about 14 to16° Centigrade, maximun temperature about 25 to 28° Centigrade.

FIG. 1 the top of a complete leaf of the new variety, designated ‘DONNA’(unpatented).

FIG. 2 shows the color of upper side of a typical terminal leaflet ofthe new variety (designated ‘DONNA’) (R.H.S. green group near 139 A to143 A).

FIG. 3 shows the undersurface of a typical terminal leaflet of the newvariety (designated ‘DONNA’) with a shape of base rounded.

FIG. 4 shows the flower and reproductive organs of the new variety(designated ‘DONNA’).

FIGS. 5 and 6 show typical fruit of the new variety (designated ‘DONNA’)whole, sliced and in cross section, illustrating the typical conical towedged shape and flesh coloration, conspicuous core and core cavity,strong glossiness, red fruit color (R.H.S. red group near 43 A to 43 B)and a narrow band without achenes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

‘DONNA’ has not been observed under all possible environmental, culturaland light conditions. The following detailed description of the newvariety is based upon observations taken of plants and fruits grown“underglass”, i.e. undertunnel, in Le Barp, Gironde, France 0,46° W.,44N., 150 feet elevation.

The following description is in accordance with UPOV terminology and thecolor teminology herein is in accordance with The Royal HorticulturalSociety Colour Chart (R.H.S.C.C.). The color descriptions and otherphenotypical descriptions may deviate from the stated values anddescriptions depending upon variation in environmental, seasonal,climatic and cultural conditions.

GENERAL

‘DONNA’ is a partially remontat variety that needs an induction toflowering by chilling, such as occurs at nursery (fresh plant) or withcold storage (referred to as a frigo plant). Usually a short time issufficient. ‘DONNA’ is self-fertile. It produces large quantity ofpollen throughout the seasons and pollination is generally good as thereare very few malformed fruit.

-   Classification:    -   -   Botanical.—Fragaria×ananassa ‘DONNA’.        -   Parentage.—Female or Seed Parent: Fragaria×ananassa 98.05.17            (unpatented). Male or Pollen Parent: Fragaria×ananassa            98.16.34 (Unpatented).        -   Propagation.—By runners.-   Plant:    -   -   Size.—Height: Approximately 24 cm. Diameter/Spread:            Approximately 26/28 cm.        -   Form and growth habit.—Flat globose.        -   Density.—Medium.        -   Vigor.—Medium to Strong.-   Stolons:    -   -   Number.—Many, about 15 to 20.        -   Thickness.—Medium, about 2.6 mm.        -   Color.—Yellow-green Group near 145A.        -   Length.—About 40 cm.-   Leaf:    -   -   Shape.—Cordate. Apex: Acute. Base: Cordate.        -   Leaf size.—Approximately 11 cm long and 14 cm wide.        -   Cross-section.—Slightly concave.        -   Aspect.—Weak undulate or blistering.        -   Coloration.—Upper side: Green Group near 139A to 143A Under            side: Green Group near 137B to 137A.        -   Number of leaflets.—Sometimes more than 3.        -   Petioles.—Size: Approximately 25 cm in length Hairs:            Positioned Outwards Diameter: About 2.5 mm Length: About 7            mm Diameter: About 2–2.5 mm Coloration: Green Group near            138D to 142C Leaf Stem Color: Green Group near 145A. Leaf            Stem Color: Green Group near 145A.        -   Leaf stem Length.—About 25 cm.        -   Terminal leaflet characteristics.—Lenget/Width Ratio: Equal            Length: 7.5 cm Width: 7.5 cm Shape of Base: Rounded Shape of            Teeth: Rounded.        -   Stipules.—Anthocyanin Coloration: Strong Color: Greyed-Red            Group near 179B.-   Inflorescence:    -   -   Time from bloom to fruit.—40 to 45 days.        -   Position.—Level with foliage to above.        -   Size.—Same size.        -   Size of calyx relative to corolla.—Medium.        -   Arrangement of petals.—Overlapping.        -   Flower height.—About 2.8 to 3.1 cm.        -   Flower diameter (primary).—Approximately 2.5–3.0 cm.        -   Flower diameter (secondary).—Approximately 2.0–2.5 cm.        -   Fragrance.—None noted.        -   Petals.—Number/Arrangement: About 5 to 8 overlapping petals            Length/Width Ratio: Equal Shape: Almost rounded Length:            12–13 mm Width: 12–13 mm Apex: Rounded. Base: Almost rounded            Coloration: Upper side: White group near 155B to 155D Under            side: White group near 155B to 155D.        -   Sepals.—Number: About 10 Shape: Lanceolate Length: 10 mm            Diameter: About 3–4 mm Apex: Acuminate Base: Flat            Coloration: Upper side: Green Group near 143C to 143B Under            side: Green Group near 138C to 138B.        -   Buds.—Length: About 14–15 mm Diameter: About 12–13 mm            Coloration: Yellow-Green Group near 145C to 145B.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Stamens.—Number: Numerous Stamen Length: Approximately 3 to            4 mm Color: Yellow-Green Group near 150C to 150D.        -   Anthers.—Size: Average Color: Yellow Orange Group near 15A            and darkening with maturity Length: About 2 mm Width: About            1 mm.        -   Pollen.—Amount: Fertil & Abundant Color: Yellow Orange Group            near 14B to 15B.        -   Pistils.—Number: Numerous Size: Average Color: Yellow Group            near 12B Length: About 1 mm.-   Fruit:    -   -   Truss attitude.—Semi-erect.        -   Ratio of length/maximum width.—Longer than broad.        -   Color.—Red Group near 43B to 43A.        -   Peduncle color.—Yellow-Green Group near 145A.        -   Penduncle size.—Length: About 70 mm Diameter: About 2 mm.        -   Predominant shape.—Conical to wedged.        -   Primary fruit.—Length: About 5.0 to 6.0 cm Width: About 3.5            to 4.5 cm.        -   Secondary fruit.—Length: About 3.5 to 4.0 cm Width: About            2.5 to 3.5 cm.        -   Difference in primary secondary shape.—Moderate.        -   Band without achenes.—Narrow.        -   Color of achenes.—Yellow-Green Group near 1B.        -   Uneveness of surface.—Weak to very weak.        -   Insertion of achenes.—Level with surface.        -   Insertion of calyx.—Level with fruit.        -   Pose of calyx segments.—Reflexed.        -   Size of calyx in relation fruit diameter.—Smaller to same            size.        -   Adherence of calyx.—Strong.        -   Glossiness.—Strong.        -   Flesh.—Firmness: Firm Color of flesh: Orange Red Group near            34C to 34A Distribution of red color of flesh: Marginal and            central, Uneven Hollow center: Weakly expressed Weight:            About 20–21 grams Sweetness: 7.2% Brix Acidity: Anhydride            Citric 0.97%.-   Growth characteristics:    -   -   Time of flowering (50% of plants at first flower).—Early.        -   Time of ripening (50% of plants with ripe fruits).—Early.        -   Type of bearing.—Patially remontant.        -   Chilling.—Weak.        -   Planting date.—Jul. 15 to 25, 2005.        -   10% flowering.—Mar. 10, 2006.        -   First mature fruits.—Apr. 5, 2006.        -   Maturity (15–20 gms/plant).—Apr. 20, 2006.-   Ripening characteristics: After planting as aforesaid, plants are    grown in raised beds undertunnel (small tunnel with small holes in    plastic walls). Water and fertilizer were applied through drip    irrigation. Time of ripening (50% of plants with ripe fruit) is    about Apr. 10, 2006. First mature fruit is about Apr. 5, 2006 and    maturity (15–20 gms/plant) is about Apr. 20, 2006.-   Storage qualities: ‘DONNA’ fruit maintain their quality    characteristics when kept in a chamber at temperatures of about    2° C. for 48 hours. The fruit's color and glossiness remain    substantially the same.-   Pests/diseases: Tolerant to Oidium, no particular sensisivity to any    disease or parasite observed.-   Fruit production comparison: Comparison with ‘GARIGUETTE’    (unpatented): The new variety is compared with ‘GARIGUETTE’.

TABLE 1 Accumulated production of 1st quality fruit (g/plant) 31 1st/2ndQuality Total Variety April 10 May 24 May Fruit (g/fruit) CLERY 236 430836 836 + 44 880 24-17 GARIGUETTE 135 407 748  748 + 172 920 18-11 DONNA234 480 1032 1032 + 128 1160 21-14

TABLE 2 Production total of First Quality Fruit and Second Quality Fruitin g/plant Variety 1st quality 2nd quality Total % 2nd Q CLERY 836 44880 5 GARIGUETTE 748 172 920 23 DONNA 1032 128 1160 12

TABLE 3 Weight (g/Fruit) at two dates: 31 April and 24 May WEIGHT(g/fruit) 31 April 24 May CLERY 24 21 GARIGUETTE 18 16 DONNA 21 20(WEIGHT is shown as the average weight per fruit in First QualityFruits.)

-   General: The growing period in Le Barp, Gironde, France, where the    observations were made, is between about February 20 and May 30 of    each year, with a maximum production at about between April 25 and    May 15. ‘DONNA’ is a partially remontant variety that benefits from    induction to flowering by chilling, usually 700 to 900 hours are    sufficient, preferably at temperatures of 7° C. or less. Normally,    the minimum number of hours are acumulated in the field during    several days.

1. A new Fragaria×ananassa plant named ‘DONNA’, substantially as shownand described.